Collingwood Arts Precinct gets $7.5 million windfall

Melbourne's freshest arts destination won't be finished for another two years at least, but Marcus Westbury – the man charged with bringing it to life – can't wait to show it off.

The future of the Collingwood Arts Precinct is all but assured after the state government on Wednesday announced $3 million new funding for its completion by 2019, with another $4.5 million from private donors. The former Liberal government has already spent $4 million on the site.

Marcus Westbury is CEO of Contemporary Arts Projects.Credit:Jason South

On Sunday, as part of Melbourne Open House, arts lovers can "peer behind the curtain" of the work-in-progress site at the former Collingwood Technical School on Johnston Street, which it will share with Circus Oz.

It's just a taste of things to come, said Westbury, CEO of Contemporary Arts Precincts, the social enterprise that will run the Collingwood precinct – and put profits back into it – in partnership with the state government.

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Westbury wants to open the space up to the public before its completion.Credit:Jason South

Westbury plans to open up various parts of the site for one-off exhibitions and other events where possible as construction continues.

"I'm a big believer in 'don't waste any space'," he said.

"We want to invite the creative community to use the space and see how it works in practice before finalising the design; see how people flow and circulate, where they queue and all those sorts of things."

''A lot of work to be done'': The old Collingwood Technical School, before works began.Credit:Simon O'Dwyer

Melbourne architectural firm Fieldwork has been enlisted to oversee design of the precinct, which will host the galleries, performance spaces, studios and offices for artists and arts organisations, at below market rates. Cafes and a large, leafy courtyard, open to the public, are also earmarked.

"It will offer secure, affordable tenancies and innovative programs to incubate, support and showcase emerging to mid-career artists," he said.

The site in 2014.

"This is crucial as rising rents are increasingly forcing creative industries out of the inner suburbs."

CAP is "actively exploring" the potential for residential spaces at the site too, Westbury said.

The site in 2014.Credit:Simon O'Dwyer

Room for rent

More than 60 arts organisations have toured the site, with expressions of interest opening in the next week. The first round will be open to large organisations requiring more space and specific design requirements.

Nearby Gertrude Contemporary, which will vacate its subsidised premises next year, is one potential candidate.

The site in July 2016.Credit:JasonSouth

"We're very excited to see it [construction of the precinct] happen, it can only be a good thing for Melbourne," Gertrude Contemporary chairman Kyp Bosci said.

There's still "a lot of work" to be done on the site, however, not least the addition of lifts and securing planning permits, Westbury says. But the site is structurally sound.

There are three, three-storey buildings on the site which require disability access.Credit:Jason South

Shadow arts minister Heidi Victoria, who announced the project during her term as minister, said it was "disappointing" it wasn't yet complete, with the initial $4 million funding enough to get the site "up to scratch" and have tenants fit out spaces themselves.

Benevolent patrons

The Danielle and Daniel Besen Foundation, the Myer Foundation and the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation each donated $1 million to the Collingwood Arts Precinct. The Ian Potter Foundation, the Marc and Eva Besen Foundation and the Harold Mitchell Foundation donated $500,000 each.

"A project that fosters urban renewal, particularly with the idea of creatively repurposing what looked to be a very run-down site, is a project worthy of our time, effort and money," said Leonard Vary, chief executive of the Myer Foundation and Sidney Myer Fund.

"We're very confident in the board and the CEO of the organisation [CAP], both being key decisions in us investing."

Harold Mitchell said the project would bring a "living heart" to the area.

Open House Melbourne takes place on July 30 and 31. Visitors can tour Circus Oz and the future Collingwood Arts Precinct Sunday 10am to 4pm.